A Thorough Guide To Equity Loans

When a borrower uses the equity in their home as collateral it is known as a home equity loan. Home equity loans are generally used to help finance expensive things such as medical bills, major home repairs, and college education. A lien is created through a home equity loan. A lien is a form of security interest over an item of property to secure a payment. The lien in a home equity loan is created against the borrower's house, and reduces home equity.

Home equity loans can be first, second, or third position liens. They are generally second position liens. Good to excellent credit history is commonly required when trying to get a home equity loan. Reasonable loan-to-value and combined loan-to-value ratios are also something you may need to get a home equity loan.

The two forms of home equity loans are closed end and open end. Both of these types of home equity loans are most commonly second mortgages. Like a traditional mortgage, closed end and open end loans are secured against the value of property. In most cases home equity loans will have shorter terms compared to a first mortgage but in some cases they will have a longer term.

Closed End Loan

The act of a borrower receiving a lump sum at the time of the closing and being unable to borrow more is known as a closed end home equity loan. Appraised value of collateral, credit history, and income can have an effect on the maximum amount of money that you can be borrow. It is quite normal that you may be able to borrow up to 100% of the appraised value of the home. It is also possible that some lenders that will allow you to borrow over 100% with an over-equity loan. There may be a limit on how much you can borrow in some states though.

Open End Loan

An open end home equity loan is when the borrower chooses when and how often they borrow against the equity in the property. The lender sets an initial limit to the credit line based on the same factors for closed end loans. An open end home equity loan is also known as a home equity line of credit. Similar to a closed end loan, you may be able to borrow up to 100% of the value of the home. The lowest monthly payment can be as low as the interest that is due. Generally, Prime rate plus a margin bases the interest rate.

Home equity loans generally come with quite a few fees. Some of these fees include: arrangement fees, early pay-off, originator fees, stamp duties, title fees, closing fees, and other costs. There is also a surveyor and conveyor or valuation fees. If you find your own licensed surveyor to inspect the property you may be able to cut the cost of the fee.

Home equity loans are normally used for paying off things that costs a large sum of money. You can choose a closed end or an open end home equity loan. You may be able to borrow up to 100% or over of the value of the home. It's good to have a good credit history and a steady income if you want to borrow a large percent. Remember to check the loan you are thinking of choosing before you choose it to see what fees may come with it.